Cytology Technical Specialist

College of American Pathologists; Northfield Township (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

College of American Pathologists in Northfield, IL seeks a Cytology Technical Specialist to lead digital cytopathology initiatives and manage cytology surveys content. You will oversee slide reviews, provide expert consultative support, and mentor staff across divisions.

Requirements include a Baccalaureate degree and CT (ASCP) certification, with at least three years in cytology and experience in project management or related coursework.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years in cytology practice.
• CT (ASCP) certification required.
• Management experience or coursework preferred.
• Baccalaureate degree required.

Responsibilities

• Validate technical accuracy of Surveys programs and oversee content.
• Manage databases, bill of materials, kit instructions, and forms.
• Review slide accuracy and linked images for alignment with records.
• Provide orientation to committees on CAP policies, procedures, and resources.
• Mentor staff liaisons and collaborate on projects.

Skills

Good judgment

Self-initiator

Able to prioritize

Excellent decision-making

Excellent communication

Cytotechnology skills

Education

Baccalaureate

CT (ASCP) required

Job description

Brief Description

The Cytology Technical Specialist is responsible for:

• Managing, planning, directing, and delivering discipline specific technical program/products and Resource Committee projects content to meet customers’ needs and support College objectives.
• Serving as a resource for communication and consultation services for a broad

constituency, internally and externally.

• Conducting in-house cytology slide review:

• screen PAP slides in preparation for Cytopathology Committee meetings
• review of difficult cases
• troubleshooting QC slides replacements
• support Cytology Associates and help screen when there is a backlog

• Providing expertise in digital pathology and whole slide imaging (WSI) as applied to CAP cytology programs, including the transition from glass to digital formats where applicable.
• Assisting with planning and implementation efforts related to the CAP’s digital cytopathology initiatives, including development for potential new offerings.

Working cooperatively, using comprehensive decision-making skills and diverse procedures and policies to analyze, manage, interpret, and develop Surveys programs.

Specific Duties

Primary duties and responsibilities of the Cytology Technical Specialist:

• Validate technical accuracy of Surveys programs through critical oversight of creation of documents, integration of information from all contributing sources, and coordination of production schedules.
• Manage and ensure accuracy of databases, bill of material and mailing specifications, kit instructions, and result forms and designated online program content.

• Review accuracy of slides to linked images and ancillary testing as appropriate.

• Provide basic orientation, direction, and ongoing management to scientific and administrative committees in areas of:

• CAP policy
• operational procedures
• information routing
• resources
• responsibilities
• strategic planning summaries

• Provide comprehensive consultative services to all internal groups, directly involved in or otherwise impacted by the Surveys Programs.

• Responsibilities to these areas may include:

• reviewing document/systems development
• gathering, managing, and interpreting information from internal or external sources
• responding to questions or problem solving as issues arise
• managing materials piloting

• Serve as a training resource to mentor staff liaisons for resource committees, further departmental knowledge, or assist in developmental projects as identified, or as collaborated with, by technical analysts, project managers, technical managers, or directors.
• Identify, propose, develop, or improve projects, programs, or processes within the Surveys Department.
• Support the integration of whole slide imaging (WSI) and digital pathology within CAP’s cytology programs.
• Assist in evaluating emerging technologies related to digital cytopathology and contribute to pilot projects assessing feasibility and implementation.
• Collaborate with scientific committees and CAP leadership to develop strategies for digital transition.
• Identify operational improvements related to digital workflows, imaging standards, and participant training for digital-based cytology proficiency testing and education.
• Provide direction and consultative services externally on an ongoing basis.

• Major interfaces include:

• CMS

• CDC
• FDA
• NIST
• CLSI
• State Departments of Health
• vendors
• commercial manufacturers
• medical associations

Maintain awareness of activities in the field of laboratory medicine in assigned disciplines and for regulatory and legislative processes in general.

Other duties as assigned by the manager.

Knowledge / Skills Required / Preferred

Personal:

• Good judgment
• Self-initiator
• Able to prioritize
• Excellent decision-making abilities
• Excellent communication and organizational skills

Professional:

• General understanding of business practices and management
• Familiarity with all Pap slide methods, and knowledge of non-gynecologic cytology, including diagnostic skills and knowledge of different staining techniques and cell preparations

Technical:

• Comfortable with computer systems use
• Cytotechnology skills

Education / Experience

Education:

• Baccalaureate required

Experience:

• Management experience or course work preferred
• Minimum 3 years in cytology practice required

Related certifications:

• CT (ASCP) required

Additional Information:

Travel:

Travel required, approximately 10%

This position is based out of Northfield, IL. Candidates must reside within 75-miles of the Northfield office and meet in office requirements.

Salary: $75,000 - $94,000